Wild ducks may be the cause of the bird flu virus outbreak in the Netherlands, the Dutch government have said.

H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected in samples taken from wild ducks in an area 25km west of Utrecht. The samples were taken as part of an investigation into the possible role of wild birds in spreading the virus in the Netherlands. Experts also concluded that the various cases of bird flu that have been found across the country have been caused by separate sources of infection.

The news comes as Dutch Minister for Agriculture Sharon Dijksma announced measures to prevent the spread of the virus in the country. A total transport ban for all poultry, eggs, poultry manure and used litter is in force in the west of the Netherlands, as well as a ban on hunting.

In other parts of the country, poultry housing units can now be repopulated and the hunting ban has been lifted. However, the ban on bird gatherings, the obligation for commercial holdings to keep poultry and other fowl indoors, and visitor controls will remain in force.

Transportation vehicles are also being restricted to visiting one poultry farm per journey within the Netherlands and must be cleaned and disinfected inbetween journeys. The Minister has said further agreements will be made with the sector on the hygiene measures also to be taken to prevent the spread of the virus.